This 1973 Folkways release focuses on the Bwiti religion and it's sister cult, Mbiri, among the Fang people in Gabon. Beginning with gentle harp music played at the start of rituals to cleanse the cult house, the record includes harp songs of fertility and percussion songs that serve to prepare the body for death and reunion with ancestors. Liner notes by anthropologist James W. Fernandez provide a detailed discussion of both the religion and the music.

Tracklist:

Preparatory Music Of The Harp
Preparatory Music Of The Harp
Mbiri Harp Song
Mbiri Harp Song
Minkin Song Of First Entrance Into The Chapel
Njimba Chants
Minkin Song Of First Entrance Into The Chapel
Thirteen Minkin Songs - Thirteen Songs Of Entrance Into The Chapel
First Harp Songs Of The Road Of Birth And Creation
Harp Song Of The Road Of Birth And Creation
Harp Song Of The Road Of Birth And Creation
Harp Song of the Road of Birth And Creation
Obongo Chants
Eight Mwanga Songs, Four Prayer Songs
Yombo Song of the Women's Chamber
Five Yombo Songs of the Women's Chamber
Harp Song of the Road of Death and Destruction (1)
Harp Song of the Road of Death and Destruction (2)
Obango Dance
Chained Harp Songs
Obango Song
Obango Dance
Harp Song Of The Road Of Death

UPC: 093070421424
Label: Folkways Records
Release Date: 5.30.12
Format: CD

Music From An Equatorial Microcosm Fang Bwiti Mus - Equatorial Microcosm / Various (CD)